perl2008, I'm sure you must understand the concept behind posting questions in a public forum? Perhaps not, let me explain...when you post a question in a public forum, you are openly inviting all those who chose to reply, to do so. I happen to know of a secret weapon against the big bad evil AnonymousMonk, want to know what it is? Stop posting questions and figure it out yourself. Otherwise, you're inviting, as I said before, let me hammer this in, all who chose to reply, to do so. That is really the point, right?

Another thing to remember, is that coding is a very intense, time-consuming project. Most of the people on this forum, are not here just "chillin'", they are researching, because they are heavily involved in several projects, most of which actually pay for their time. So, when they stop what they're doing, losing track sometimes of the roll they were on, to help someone about a point they are familiar with, and then see it was a waste of time, because it was something you could have easily figured out yourself, some people do tend to get a bit irritated. Some even tell you about that irritation in their posts, which again, you are inviting, by posting the question.

A lot of good people have taken time out of their busy lives and projects to help not only you, but myself and others as well. Please don't disrespect them and their efforts, with these pointless posts which contain nothing but rude, disrespectful and annoying words. Every time you do, the person who was going to donate their time (for free, remember) to help a fellow coder in need, might be less likely to care next time. So, this type of thing, can needlessly be a disruption in a nice community we've got access to here.

I'm just as new as you are, and have asked some very basic questions here. I have been told several times that I should have done something different before asking, or asked a different way, but rather than be upset about that, I try and pay attention, because the basic fact of the matter is, these people know a hell of a lot more than me about Perl, and asking about Perl. You have a wonderful resource here, which, if used correctly, can enable you to become an excellent programmer. Show a little gratitude, man up and understand, you don't have to like someone, to learn from them. Because, like it or not, we all have something you can learn from.

A program should be light and agile, its subroutines connected like a string of pearls. The spirit and intent of the program should be retained throughout. There should be neither too little or too much, neither needless loops nor useless variables, neither lack of structure nor overwhelming rigidity." - The Tao of Programming, 4.1 - Geoffrey James

Might not be directly related to your post, but one of my opinion is here about perlmonks and why we have to share.
In my perspective sharing is always required during learning(anything) because, unless you share you are in your own island where you think that you are the king, but when you get to share you will get to know the mistakes that you have done in the process of learning(definitely), it helps to correct yourself.
I end up with a quote:
An expert is someone who has made every mistake.

-- In accordance with the prarabdha of each, the One whose function it is to ordain makes each to act. What will not happen will never happen, whatever effort one may put forth. And what will happen will not fail to happen, however much one may seek to prevent it. This is certain. The part of wisdom therefore is to stay quiet.